2025

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes keeping up with rent payments can be challenging. If you’re renting a home in Victoria through a real estate agency, it’s important to understand what happens when rent isn’t paid on time. This guide walks you through the steps, from the first missed payment to more serious consequences, with a focus on helping you stay informed and prepared. Your...

Routine inspections are one of the regular touchpoints between tenants, landlords, and property managers. While they can sometimes feel inconvenient, they play an important role in keeping your home safe, comfortable, and well-maintained. Understanding what they’re for can make the whole process feel more collaborative and less like an interruption. They Help Keep Your Home in Great Condition Routine...

Routine inspections are a normal part of renting and an opportunity to make sure your home is being looked after and that everything’s working as it should. They’re not designed to catch anyone out - they’re about care, communication, and keeping your home safe and comfortable. Here’s how to get ready for your next inspection with confidence. A Quick Tidy Is All You Need No one expects a show...

Routine rental inspections are a normal part of renting in Victoria, and they shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. These brief check-ups help ensure your home is being cared for and any maintenance issues are caught early. In fact, they benefit tenants as much as landlords by preventing small problems from becoming big ones. Here’s a friendly guide on how routine inspections work under Victoria’s rental...

From 1 March 2027, new minimum energy efficiency and safety standards will begin rolling out across Victoria for rental properties and rooming houses. These standards are designed to ensure homes are safer, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient - reducing costs for renters and supporting Victoria's transition to net zero. The requirements will apply at different stages, depending on whether...

Owning a rental property in Queensland? Ensuring drains and gutters are well-maintained isn’t just about curb appeal - it’s critical compliance you can’t afford to overlook. 1. Landlord Responsibilities at a Glance Since 1 September 2024, all tenancies must comply with Minimum Housing Standards, which include adequate drainage and plumbing systems. Stormwater and drainpipes must be...

Owning investment property in Queensland? Ensuring smoke alarms comply with the latest regulations isn’t just best practice—it’s the law. Let’s walk through your responsibilities and how you can protect your tenants and your investment. 1. What Queensland landlords must do From 1 January 2022, every rental dwelling must be fitted with interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms:...

The Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) is an initiative by the State Revenue Office (SRO) of Victoria aimed at encouraging the efficient use of residential land. Introduced in 2018, this tax applies to certain residential properties that remain unoccupied for more than six months in a calendar year. Significant changes and extensions to the VRLT framework are set to take effect in the coming years, making...